Environment & Sustainability Professionals' Conference

Ayo called all professionals to take an active role in tackling the sustainability challenge from a holistic perspective discussing their roles as professionals in the workplace, in professional institutions and the wider community.

We've reached a tipping point where belatedly many companies are embracing the need to transform sustainably rather than the old paradigm of being a little less bad. But recognition of the need to change is just the beginning of the root and branch transformation we need of the economy and how it serves society. We looked at the drivers, at the change but crucially we focused on how to deliver sustainable transformation. Listeners explored 3 key questions. Do you understand: 1. Why you need to become sustainable? 2. What you need to do to become sustainable? 3. How you integrate sustainability into all you do?

Environment and sustainability professionals are the catalyst for organisational level change. Committing your business to environmental and sustainability targets and driving towards net zero requires a competent workforce who are capable of supporting the changes required. Educating and empowering your staff will be key. In this session we looked at the need to drive green skills across all parts of the global economy and broke down some of the perceived barriers to making this happen.

During this panel discussion we looked at some of the key benefits of building a skilled workforce. We heard from IEMA Partners who are doing just this. We took a look at how each panellist is addressing the knowledge gap in their business, how we can adapt our approach for fast-moving regulatory content, and how they are maximising green skills to deliver tangible results - both for positive environmental benefits and for organisational behaviour change.

Children are the least responsible for climate change yet bear the greatest burden of its impact. Children are central to sustainable development and key agents of change. Yet, there is low awareness of the links - both positive and negative - between the private sector, children and climate change. This session explored UNICEF's holistic approach to tackle the climate crisis for children, young people and communities with examples of private sector partnerships and further opportunities for engagement.

This session examined what next for the global biodiversity challenge following with the first part of COP15 having taken place in Kunming, China in October. It provided an opportunity to reflect on what was agreed at the initial talks, plus discussion on what more is required at the spring 2022 negotiations.

This session looked at whether COP26 fulfilled expectations, how it will stimulate real action to cut emissions and how environmental professionals can take up the baton.